ADO-EKITI, Ekiti State, Nigeria — June 20, 2026 — Allegations of vote-buying have emerged during the ongoing Ekiti State governorship election, with some voters claiming they received cash inducements from political agents in exchange for supporting candidates.
Reports from polling units visited in parts of the state indicate that some voters alleged they were offered money by agents representing political parties, raising concerns about compliance with electoral laws and efforts to prevent voter inducement.
In Aramoko-Ekiti, a community in Ekiti State, some voters reportedly told journalists that they received financial offers linked to their voting choices.
According to reports, at least five voters interviewed separately claimed they received ₦10,000 each from agents allegedly supporting the All Progressives Congress (APC).
At Polling Unit 004, Chief Ologbodo’s House, Oke Uro, Aramoko II, observers reportedly witnessed interactions involving party agents allegedly approaching voters within the polling environment.
The report claimed that agents suspected to be working for different political parties offered money to influence voter decisions, with an alleged APC agent offering ₦10,000 while an African Democratic Congress (ADC) agent allegedly offered ₦2,000.
The allegations have generated fresh concerns about the persistence of vote-buying practices in Nigerian elections despite repeated warnings from electoral authorities and security agencies.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has consistently warned political actors against voter inducement, stating that vote-buying undermines the credibility of elections and violates electoral regulations.
Anti-corruption agencies were also deployed during the election period to monitor possible financial inducement and other electoral offences.
Earlier in the day, operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) reportedly visited the polling unit of APC candidate Biodun Oyebanji at Ikogosi, Ekiti West Local Government Area, following concerns over alleged vote-buying activities.
The EFCC presence was part of wider monitoring efforts as voting commenced across the state’s 16 local government areas.
The Ekiti governorship election has attracted attention due to Governor Oyebanji’s bid for a second term and the participation of opposition candidates seeking to challenge the ruling party’s control of the state.
Election authorities and civil society organisations have repeatedly urged voters and political parties to maintain a peaceful process and allow citizens to freely make their choices without financial pressure.
As voting continues, monitoring groups are expected to document complaints and incidents from polling units across Ekiti State.
Authorities have not confirmed all allegations made in individual reports, and investigations would be required to establish any electoral violations.
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